“A magical dash through the streets of Paris. Part caper, part fairy tale, part opulent witch society, you’ll be swept away by all of it. GRIM LOVELIES absolutely dazzles.” —Kendare Blake, #1 NYT bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series“A darkly enchanting saga…bound to attract fans of Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, and more.” —Entertainment Weekly “I lost myself in this magical book.” —… —Entertainment Weekly
“I lost myself in this magical book.” —Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval and Legendary
Seventeen-year-old Anouk envies the human world, where people known as Pretties lavish themselves in fast cars, high fashion, and have the freedom to fall in love. But Anouk can never have those things, because she is not really human. Enchanted from animal to human girl and forbidden to venture beyond her familiar Parisian prison, Anouk is a Beastie: destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving Mada Vittora, the evil witch who spelled her into existence. That is, until one day she finds her mistress murdered in a pool of blood—and Anouk is accused of the crime.
Now, the world she always dreamed of is rife with danger. Pursued through Paris by the underground magical society known as the Haute, Anouk and her fellow Beasties only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known…but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.
From New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd, Grim Lovelies is the glittering first book in a new, epic YA fantasy series. Prepare to be spellbound by the world of Grim Lovelies, where secrets have been long buried, friends can become enemies, and everything—especially humanity—comes at a price.
This ebook includes a bonus prequel novella!
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A glittering and Goblin-bright fantasy. Grim Lovelies cleverly redefines fairy tales and turns Paris into a bewitching and disturbing wonderland full of Royals and witches, and beasties that will steal your heart. I lost myself in this magical book.
A magical dash through the streets of Paris. Part caper, part fairy tale, part opulent witch society, you’ll be swept away by all of it. Grim Lovelies absolutely dazzles.
Review by Gladys #NerdGirlOfficial
Grim Lovelies is not the first book I read by Megan Shepherd and it will not be my last. Like The Cage, Grim Lovelies has fantastic world building and character development. Her attention to detail is awe inspiring.
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I am a lover of dark fantasy and was delighted by the beauty of this story. Anouk is a beastie. An animal spelled to be human by an evil witch. When her “prisoner”, Mada Vittora, is murdered she is accused of the crime.
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Navigating through underground Paris while running from Haute, the Magical Society proves to be tiring. If you love Harry Potter and would like a slightly darker version this is definitely the book for you!!
I truly enjoyed reading it with my daughter! 5 Stars!!
“Magic is Life; Life is Magic.”
Wow! I loved this book and I loved the concept! It was really well done! It deserved a solid 4 stars as it was good but not quite ready for 5.
The characters were fantastic and I loved the way they were written. Anouk underwent the most change over the course of the book but I think her change was important. Near the end a couple other characters underwent some minor changes that I think will influence the series further in the future.
The overall plot I loved! I’m hoping it transforms a bit in the next book as I would hate for it to just simply be about Anouk always trying to remain human I want there to be a little bit more depth there!
The romance was my least favorite thing of the book I felt wishy washy about it at the best of times and I still do. I would love a match up more between the prince and Anouk rather than Beau. I’m not a fan of the insta love and though the characters have been feeling that way for years I don’t really know they’re back story and that makes it an insta love.
Definitely enjoyed the plot and the witty banter between characters. Someone gets struck with a love spell at some point and that’s hilarious.
I read a ton of reviews before reading the book about how characters died and such, but only bad guys died… No one really important actually died they just got turned back into their animal forms which isn’t a death.
I love it and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Book 12 towards my goal of 240! 3/5 stars for this YA Fantasy read. Loved the cover! Loved the premise of the story, but felt like it was a bit long. Narration was good. Can’t say I’d recommend it. Also don’t think I’ll continue with book 2.
This was a departure from the type of thing I normally read. I enjoyed the fantastical aspects of the story line, but be advised, this is not something I would recommend for young readers, as the premise is pretty dark. Also, some graphic scenes involving bloodshed, bloodletting, witchcraft etc.
Grim Lovlies is the first of a two book story about the newly human girl Anouk. She was transformed from an animal to serve a witch. She has a dim recollection of her life before and knows she does not want to return to that life. This is a unique story of a girl fighting for her existence and struggling to figure out her loyalties.
Good for ages 13+
Anouk is the obedient maid of Mada Vittora. Anouk is not allowed to go outside, but she is also not human.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book, it started to drag a little about three quarters of the way through and then picked up again after a few chapters.
This story has such a variety of paranormal things roll into one book. There is magic, witches, goblins, talk of selkies, non-human maids, there is something for everyone in here, with a well written, entertaining, interesting story. I like that this book was exciting without sex or cursing. RECOMMENDED!